USA Powerlifting organization bans transgender women from competing as women

USA Powerlifting has announced that it will not permit transgender women to compete as women in competitions because of the use of testosterone as treatments for transition.

The organization issued a statement clarifying their position in late January.

What did the organization say?

The announcement revealed that USA Powerlifting will not allow trans women to compete as women in their competitions, because "not all powerlifters are eligible to compete in USA Powerlifting."

A portion of the statement read, "USA Powerlifting is an inclusive organization for all athletes and members who comply with its rules, policies, procedures, and bylaws. USA Powerlifting is not a fit for every athlete and for every medical condition or situation."

The statement added that USA Powerlifting does not permit the use of "testosterone or other androgens, commonly used to assist in transition from female to male."

"By virtue of the anabolic nature of these compounds, they are not allowed, nor is a Therapeutic Use Exemption granted for such use for anyone," the statement explained. "This applies to any and all medical conditions which might be treated through use of androgens."

The organization also said that the decision was made in part due to the "potential advantage in strength sports" that men generally have over women.

"Through analysis the impact of maturation in the presence naturally occurring androgens as the level necessary for male development, significant advantages are had, including, but not limited to, increased body and muscle mass, bone density, bone structure, and connective tissue," the statement declared. "These advantages are not eliminated by reduction of serum androgens such as testosterone yielding a potential advantage in strength sports such as powerlifting."

You can read USA Powerlifting's full statement here.

Anything else?

In October, a transgender female cyclist placed first against biological women in a meet. Naturally, the incident sparked waves of backlash.

In June, a transgender high school student — born a male — dominated over female competition in 100- and 200-meter dashes in a Connecticut state track and field championship.

In 2017, a New Zealand transgender weightlifter, born a male, won two silver medals competing as a woman in the weightlifting world championship.

Additionally in 2017, a Texas high school wrestler — born a female and transitioning to male — won state championships two years in a row by competing against females.